Joseph and the Amazing Technicoloured Dreamcoat Youth Production
Date: 31st October 2023
Society: Chelmsford Young Generation Amateur Musical Society
Venue: Chelmsford Theatre
Type: Musical
Director: Claire Carr
Musical Director: Bryan Cass
Author: Christine Davidson
Director Claire Carr is one of the best directors I have had the pleasure to see work on shows during my time as a rep for District 8. Her vision and knowledge makes any show look new no matter how many times you have seen it. This she did in spades with Joseph, the many little tweaks she included made this production a splendid night out.
With a stunning set and costumes, this show looked sumptuous, Claire managed to get sixty five young actors, from seven to nineteen, blocked and drilled on stage even though it was the first night, they did not put one foot wrong. With groups of youngsters wearing modern, different coloured tracksuits and caps, others wearing wonderful biblical costumes and wigs, it was a feast for the eyes. The standing ovation at the end of the show was a fitting tribute to Claire, her team and the director’s assistants, Jill Burtenshaw and Joanne Quinney.
Sam Acton took the lead role of Joseph; he gave a really excellent performance, Sam has a very strong singing voice, is confident on stage and with a lovely smile he was a joy to watch. His song ‘Close every door to me’ was simply beautiful with the cast in white, holding candles on the stage and along the aisles. This just added to the performance.
Fortune Ibrahim was the Narrator on the night I was watching; she was sharing the role with Harriet Blythe. I have seen Fortune rise through the ranks during my years as rep and she gave an excellent performance, having a clear singing voice and clarity of speech.
The brothers all worked well as a team and I loved Gene Gardner as Reuben in his song ‘One More Angel in Heaven’ when he added his comedic touch to the scene. I also loved the hoe down dance added by Claire, her choreography is second to none and the energy that was brought to this scene, as with all the others, only added to the show.
The scene with Simeon (Hugo Kalar), singing ‘Those Canaan Days’ was truly a feat of choreographic magic, with all of the brothers sitting at a long table, using their tankards in precision and timing. For such a young cast to be so together in time was one of the highlights for me.
Tommy Edwards as Pharaoh gave us the Elvis we all love and his confidence in the role plus his characterisation was really a treat.
Jacob the father of the twelve was excellently played by Hayden Wagland. He also was the Butler and the Camel Solo. I hope to see him do more in the next show.
The lots of little extras only added to the show; such as the young Egyptians groupies, behind ropes, wanting to mob Joseph in his finery, while two security guards held them back and the Cocktail barman having great fun mixing drinks, during the Calypso song. Oliver Blowers as Judah sang this song well with confidence and style.
The huge ensemble was tremendous, singing and dancing with great energy and pace. What a wonderful show for these talented young actors to be involved in. You were all great and should be very proud of all your achievements. I also loved the fact you had learnt sign language for singing the colours at the finale, during the Megamix. This was taught by BSL interpreter Karen Gager, who will be on stage to sign, at the Saturday matinee.
Lighting was colourful but sometimes the follow spot was not in sync, meaning Joseph was occasionally in the dark, as were a couple of Potiphar’s minions, stage right but as this was the first time they had had the lighting it was understandable. I’m sure it will be put right for the rest of the week.
Musical Director Bryan Cass and his wonderful orchestra were as usual superb, never drowning out the cast and giving a real quality sound to the show.
This was an excellent production and a fitting one for me as this is the last time I will be reviewing this talented group. Thank you for all the memories and congratulations to you all.
Christine Davidson
NODA East District 8 Rep
Joseph and the Amazing Technicoloured Dreamcoat Youth Production
Date: 31st October 2023
Society: Chelmsford Young Generation Amateur Musical Society
Venue: Chelmsford Theatre
Type: Musical
Director: Claire Carr
Musical Director: Bryan Cass
Author: Christine Davidson
Director Claire Carr is one of the best directors I have had the pleasure to see work on shows during my time as a rep for District 8. Her vision and knowledge makes any show look new no matter how many times you have seen it. This she did in spades with Joseph, the many little tweaks she included made this production a splendid night out.
With a stunning set and costumes, this show looked sumptuous, Claire managed to get sixty five young actors, from seven to nineteen, blocked and drilled on stage even though it was the first night, they did not put one foot wrong. With groups of youngsters wearing modern, different coloured tracksuits and caps, others wearing wonderful biblical costumes and wigs, it was a feast for the eyes. The standing ovation at the end of the show was a fitting tribute to Claire, her team and the director’s assistants, Jill Burtenshaw and Joanne Quinney.
Sam Acton took the lead role of Joseph; he gave a really excellent performance, Sam has a very strong singing voice, is confident on stage and with a lovely smile he was a joy to watch. His song ‘Close every door to me’ was simply beautiful with the cast in white, holding candles on the stage and along the aisles. This just added to the performance.
Fortune Ibrahim was the Narrator on the night I was watching; she was sharing the role with Harriet Blythe. I have seen Fortune rise through the ranks during my years as rep and she gave an excellent performance, having a clear singing voice and clarity of speech.
The brothers all worked well as a team and I loved Gene Gardner as Reuben in his song ‘One More Angel in Heaven’ when he added his comedic touch to the scene. I also loved the hoe down dance added by Claire, her choreography is second to none and the energy that was brought to this scene, as with all the others, only added to the show.
The scene with Simeon (Hugo Kalar), singing ‘Those Canaan Days’ was truly a feat of choreographic magic, with all of the brothers sitting at a long table, using their tankards in precision and timing. For such a young cast to be so together in time was one of the highlights for me.
Tommy Edwards as Pharaoh gave us the Elvis we all love and his confidence in the role plus his characterisation was really a treat.
Jacob the father of the twelve was excellently played by Hayden Wagland. He also was the Butler and the Camel Solo. I hope to see him do more in the next show.
The lots of little extras only added to the show; such as the young Egyptians groupies, behind ropes, wanting to mob Joseph in his finery, while two security guards held them back and the Cocktail barman having great fun mixing drinks, during the Calypso song. Oliver Blowers as Judah sang this song well with confidence and style.
The huge ensemble was tremendous, singing and dancing with great energy and pace. What a wonderful show for these talented young actors to be involved in. You were all great and should be very proud of all your achievements. I also loved the fact you had learnt sign language for singing the colours at the finale, during the Megamix. This was taught by BSL interpreter Karen Gager, who will be on stage to sign, at the Saturday matinee.
Lighting was colourful but sometimes the follow spot was not in sync, meaning Joseph was occasionally in the dark, as were a couple of Potiphar’s minions, stage right but as this was the first time they had had the lighting it was understandable. I’m sure it will be put right for the rest of the week.
Musical Director Bryan Cass and his wonderful orchestra were as usual superb, never drowning out the cast and giving a real quality sound to the show.
This was an excellent production and a fitting one for me as this is the last time I will be reviewing this talented group. Thank you for all the memories and congratulations to you all.
Christine Davidson
NODA East District 8 Rep
